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WHAT ARE MY EXPECTATIONS?

Following are a series of questions about what you want in a romantic relationship. Because relationships can turn from casual to serious quickly, even when that was not the plan, it is important to know what you expect. Expectations are essential if you are thinking about spending a lifetime with someone. Answer each of the questions (and sub-questions) about your expectations about relationships. It does not matter if you are or are not currently in a romantic relationship. To earn full points for this assignment, you must answer each question with complete sentences (one word answers are NOT acceptable). Only assignments that are typed will be accepted for credit. This assignment is due on April 6. Paper must be typed. 1. If you are not married, do you expect to get married or be in a committed partnership at sometime? What conditions must exist for this partnership to be right for you? Why these conditions? If you are married or partnered, what conditions were necessary for you to enter the relationship? How were these conditions met? How has having these expectations affected your relationship? What about children? Do you expect to become a parent? If so, how will you know when you are ready to do so? If you or your partner was infertile, what would you do? If you are already a parent, under what conditions would you have additional children? 3. Think about being in a marriage or committed relationship and describe your expectations regarding the following: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Work/careers -- Who will work? Will it be full-time or part-time? Whose work/career will be most important and why? Household tasks -- How will household tasks or chores be handled? In other words, who will be responsible for doing what, including child care? How do you anticipate this changing over time? Relationship qualities -- How important are truthfulness, honesty, commitment, and fidelity or faithfulness to your relationship? What behaviors would you expect to see in your partner that reflect these qualities? Leisure -- How will leisure time be spent? What types of activities will be engaged in together, separately, or some variation of these? Decision-making How should decisions be made regarding children, money, leisure time, household tasks, and future plans? Who should have the final say and why? Physical affection How important is physical expression of caring and love? What would you want your partner to do for you to demonstrate this type of affection? What behaviors would be off-putting to you? Providing Who should be the financial provider and why? Are there periods in which one partner should take on more responsibility and why?

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Money management How will money be managed in your relationship? Who will take the lead? Should there be a budget; if so, who will handle the spending?

Spent younger years of my life watching this issus cause a huge rift that eventually led to the divorce of my parenst therefore I can confidently say that unless my future husband is illiterate in the subject of math then we will BOTH have a say in it 4. If your partner had or has children by some else, what do you expect your partners role to be with these children? What about the role of the other parent/s? How do you anticipate this might affect your relationship? Describe the conditions under which you would end a marriage or committed relationship. What evidence would you look for to know that you have reached this point?

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